Expert

Merran

McRae

Chief Executive

,

Wakefield Council

Merran McRae is Chief Executive of Wakefield Council, a position she has held since June 2017. Prior to this she was Chief Executive of Calderdale Council during which she was responsible for spearheading regeneration in the area which led to the transformation of the historic Piece Hall. Her work on Public Health and Children’s Services resulted in national recognition at the Local Government Chronicle Awards.

An experienced Chief Executive, Merran thrives in complex and demanding environments. She is a strong believer in leading by example and her drive and determination is infectious and inspiring.

In addition to the day job, she has a broad portfolio of additional commitments that include being lead Chief Executive for skills across West Yorkshire and is an active member of the Leeds City Region LEP’s Employment and Skills Board. She is also the lead Chief Executive and Local Government Association link for health and social care for Yorkshire and Humberside, in addition to being a spokesperson on Children’s Services for SOLACE.

Merran has a professional background in housing management, community economic development and social care, holding positions as Chief Executive at a Housing ALMO and Director of Adult Social Care at Kirklees Council. She has also led other strategic services, including culture and leisure services, and led large-scale organisational development and change programmes, transforming services and organisational cultures.

She has a degree in History and a Masters of Business Administration, as well as professional qualifications in housing, training and development and executive coaching. She has held positions as a Non-Executive Director in an NHS acute trust and as Chair of a school governing board.

Merran is a strong believer in striking a good work life balance, and enjoys nothing more than spending time with her family. She is also a trustee of the Hepworth Wakefield and a trustee of the Yorkshire Sports Foundation.